Columbus Crew Sign Crew 2 Midfielder Tarun Karumanchi to First Team Contract
MLS Columbus Crew SC

Columbus Crew Sign Crew 2 Midfielder Tarun Karumanchi to First Team Contract

Published on July 30, 2026 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Columbus Crew SC News Release


COLUMBUS - The Columbus Crew signed Crew 2 midfielder Tarun Karumanchi to a First Team contract through the 2027 MLS Sprint Season with annual Club options each of the next three seasons (through June 2030). The 23-year-old - who has appeared in the Crew's past two matches after starting his MLS debut against New York City FC on July 22 - was selected by Columbus in the Second Round (49th overall) of the 2026 MLS SuperDraft and signed a Crew 2 contract on March 20.

"Tarun has demonstrated strong qualities since he started training with the First Team during the preseason, and he's earned this opportunity based on his eagerness to develop and professional attitude, especially as he worked to come back from his injury," said Crew General Manager Issa Tall. "Tarun's production and work ethic have been consistent in training and matches while integrating into our First Team environment. We look forward to his continued development further as both a player and person with the Black & Gold."

"I'm incredibly grateful to be signing my contract with the Columbus Crew. This is a moment I'll never forget," said Karumanchi. "From being drafted to battling through an injury in preseason, to earning my place on the roster, every step has made this moment even more meaningful. I'm thankful to the entire Crew organization for believing in me, and to my coaches, teammates, family, and everyone who has supported me throughout this journey. This is just the beginning, and I'm excited for what's ahead."

Against NYCFC, Karumanchi became only the second Crew 2 player to start a First Team match (Cesar Ruvalcaba, vs. NYCFC, March 22, 2025) and one of five to make an MLS appearance (defender Mohamed Farsi and forward Jacen Russell-Rowe in 2022; defenders Tristan Brown and Ruvalcaba in 2025). The midfielder also started in the First Team friendly against England's Burnley Football Club on July 12. For Crew 2 this season, Karumanchi made started five of in six contests played and posted one assist in MLS NEXT Pro action.

Karumanchi started all 19 matches played for UCLA during the 2025 season, when he served as team captain, paced the side in minutes (1,699) and recorded one assist while leading the Bruins to their first Big Ten Championship. He anchored the backline that posted shutouts against top-seeded Maryland in the Big Ten Conference semifinal and Michigan in the final, adding one assist.

A native of San Ramon, Calif., Karumanchi registered 68 appearances (61 starts) and three assists from 2022-25, guiding UCLA to the 2023 Pac-12 regular season championship. His academic accolades include 2025 All-Big Ten Academic Honors, 2024 Fall Academic All-Big Ten and UCLA Director's Honor Roll. Prior to UCLA, he spent time with the San Jose Earthquakes Academy and participated in a U.S. Under-20 Men's Youth National Team training camp in 2022.

TRANSACTION: Columbus Crew sign MLS SuperDraft pick midfielder Tarun Karumanchi to a First Team contract through the 2027 MLS Sprint Season with annual Club options each of the next three seasons (through June 2030), announced on July 30, 2026.

Name: Tarun Karumanchi

Position: Midfielder

Height: 5'9"

Born: April 1, 2003, in San Ramon, Calif.

Citizenship: United States

Acquired: Signed by Columbus Crew on July 30, 2026

Previous Experience: UCLA (2022-25); Columbus Crew 2 (2026); Columbus Crew (2026-Present)

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